Every 3rd May, the global community celebrates World Press Freedom Day. Hence, today, the 2022 edition of the remarkable event is being commemorated. The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Journalism Under Digital Siege”.

The Press can be described as the news media and agencies collectively, especially newspapers and magazines. In the same vein, freedom of the Press or the Press freedom is the freedom the press workers or personnel have to communicate and express their views through the media including print and electronic.

While such freedom mostly implies the absence of interference from an overreaching state, its preservation may be sought through constitutional or other legal protections.

With respect to government information, any government may distinguish the materials that are meant to be public from the ones to be protected based on classification of the information as sensitive, secret, and being otherwise protected from disclosure due to its relevance to protecting the national interest. Many governments are also subject to sunshine laws or freedom of information legislation that are used to define the ambit of national interest.

The United Nations’ (UN) 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression. This right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference as well as impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers”.

This philosophy is usually accompanied by legislation ensuring various degrees of freedom such as freedom of scientific research known as ‘scientific freedom’, publishing, press and printing. The concept of freedom of speech is often covered by the same laws as freedom of the press, thereby giving equal treatment to both spoken and published expressions.

Undoubtedly, the impact of the press on nation-building cannot be overemphasized. It is noteworthy that, the current socio-political, ethnic and religious intolerance in Nigeria can best be addressed by giving the press a free role not only in presentation of reportage but educating the entire citizenry on the need to embrace absolute tolerance irrespective of their respective affiliations.

The ongoing Boko-Haram terrorism in Nigeria, particularly in the North-East region of the country, coupled with the current crisis occasioned by herdsmen and secessionists cannot be properly approached or tackled without involving the press. In this aspect, the press would enable the citizens and other concerned or affected groups to know what is at stake as well as what is expected of them at any given time.

Of course, it is the press that would enable the general public to acknowledge the anticipated dimension of the said anomalies. Creating awareness and awakening the consciousness of the populace in this regard or in a situation of such cannot be compromised, and such measures cannot be achieved without the effort of the press.

Considering the past elections in Nigeria, we would agree to the obvious fact that the role of the press throughout the exercise was not just enormous, but unquantifiable. It was the press that enabled both the security operatives and the general public to know where and when there was any form of pandemonium or security threat as the case might be as well as the nature of the incident.

Among all, the press created an avenue for transparency as long as the polls lasted which led to a seeming credible, peaceful and successful exercise.

Inter alia, as regards the activities of the political office holders or public officers at large, the press has helped tremendously to fight bribery and corruption that is often exhibited by the said personnel. It is the press that enables the people to be fully aware of the steps being taken by the government towards addressing any issue or anomaly alongside the respective efforts of each of the government functionaries.

Similarly, the contribution of critics in national development or good governance through presentation of constructive criticism cannot be effective without the press.

Against this backdrop, the UN thought it wise to proclaim May 3 of every year as the World Press Freedom Day. The day was approved by the UN General Assembly in December 1993 following the recommendation of the General Assembly of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The Day is an opportunity to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, assess the state of press freedom throughout the world, defend the media from attacks on their independence, and among all, pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

As we commemorate the World Press Freedom Day, there is a need for all concerned authorities and groups in various countries across the world to safeguard their Freedom of Information (FOI) law that is aimed at restructuring the democratic system.

On the other hand, there’s also an urgent need for the release of all the journalists and media personnel across the globe that are being detained unjustly by the police or any law enforcement agency.

More so, the governments at all levels ought to stop further arrest and intimidation of activists whom they perceive as critics of their negative political agenda or mission.

It suffices to say that the press ought to be given a thorough free role in reporting and seeking solutions to issues that may threaten the peace and unity of any country it finds itself in.

On their part, the members of the media must at all times, concentrate on objective or unbiased reportage. Hence, they are expected to think beyond their individual interest in any circumstance they find themselves in. In view of this, no member of the press should on any occasion or on any ground publish any news/story without embarking on thorough and adequate investigation.

In other words, investigative reporting ought to be the watchword of every pressman. As press personnel, you aren’t meant to publish a story based on speculations; rather, the ethics of the job mandates you to go into finding having heard or gotten a story, toward ascertaining its actual origin. Needless to state that you are not in any way meant to publish any news in error.

Furthermore, any practicing journalist is expected to abstain from partisanship while carrying out his/her lawful obligations regardless of the pressure or circumstance. Thus, you must remain resolute in your decisions. Never publish any story with a view to pleasing any individual or corporate body; just do the needful no matter whose ox is gored.

Most importantly, a media practitioner mustn’t be reckoned to be a money monger. Money mongering in the media activity is highly forbidden, thus must be passionately detested by any media personnel.

You are only bound to be passion-driven in your day-to-day activity instead of being money-driven. No doubt, with absolute passion, any professional would attain the peak of the profession he/she is into.

Moreover, as much as any pressman wouldn’t tolerate any form of embarrassment, either from the members of the public or anyone in a position of authority, he/she is equally required to concentrate only on the needful at all cost as regards the ethics of the profession.

Therefore, as we clamour for better treatment for the press across the globe, this is equally a day for all media personnel to have a rethink towards making amends where and when necessary. 

It is no secret that most modern companies rely heavily on the work of their human resources department. Whether it’s recruiting and hiring new employees, managing employee benefits and compensation, or implementing training programs and policies, an effective HR team can make a huge difference in the overall success of any organization. So if you are looking to improve your own HR department, here are six tips to get you started.

• Set Clear Goals

Another important tip for improving your HR department is to set clear goals. What exactly do you want your team to accomplish? Do you want them to improve employee retention? Do you want them to help with recruiting? Once you know your goals, you can start working on a plan to achieve them. Your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. In other words, they should be something that you can track and improve over time. It won’t be easy to know if your HR department is truly improving without clear goals.

• Utilize HR Software

When it comes to improving your HR department, one of the most effective strategies is incorporating HR software into your existing processes. This range of HR tools can help you streamline key tasks and improve efficiency across your team. For example, many HR software programs include applicant tracking and employee onboarding features, allowing you to manage your team from start to finish easily. Other features, such as performance management and payroll processing, can also help to make it easier for your team to work quickly and effectively. 

Companies often use AI to perform a talent assessment test once candidates send their resumes. This is why HR software can help you make better decisions when looking to fill a position.

• Communicate Effectively

Communication is key in any business, but it’s vital in HR. After all, your team is responsible for handling sensitive employee information. If there are communication breakdowns, it can lead to serious problems. To improve communication in your HR department, start by holding regular meetings. During these meetings, go over any changes or updates that need to be communicated to employees.

It would be best if you also encouraged open communication by creating an environment where employees feel comfortable asking questions and voicing concerns. In addition to regular meetings, you should also have a system for handling employee questions and concerns. It could be an email address or phone number that employees can use to reach out to your HR team. 

• Outsourcing

One way to improve your HR department is to outsource some of its functions. This can be especially beneficial if your company is small and does not have the resources to support a full-time HR staff. Outsourcing your HR department can be a great way to take advantage of specialized expertise and save money. These firms can provide a wide range of services, including recruiting and hiring staff, administering benefits programs, processing payroll, and handling employee disputes. 

By taking the burden of these time-consuming tasks off your plate, an outsourced HR department can help you focus on other business areas and free up valuable resources. Additionally, given the rapid pace of change in today’s workplace, it is crucial to access experienced professionals who can keep up with employee management and compliance trends.

• Promote A Healthy Work-Life Balance

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s more important than ever to promote a healthy work-life balance. If your team is constantly working long hours, they’re likely to burn out quickly. This can lead to a decrease in productivity and an increase in turnover. To avoid this, you should make sure that your team has the opportunity to take breaks and enjoy a healthy work-life balance.

There are a few key things you can do to promote a healthy work-life balance. 

• Ensure that your team members have the opportunity to take vacation days. Please encourage them to use their vacation days to relax and recharge. 
• Offer flexible working arrangements. This could involve allowing employees to work from home or giving them the option to start and end their day at different times. 
• Ensure your team members have access to a well-rounded benefits package such as health insurance, retirement savings plans, and paid time off.

• Implement An Employee Recognition Program

Implementing an employee recognition program is an effective way to improve your HR department. Not only does such a program acknowledge the hard work of employees and foster a sense of appreciation within the workplace. They also help boost productivity, reduce turnover, and increase employee engagement. When developing your employee recognition program, consider incorporating various kinds of rewards, from monetary bonuses to more symbolic awards like plaques or trophies. It is important to involve employees by soliciting their input about which rewards they prefer and what criteria should be used to determine whether someone deserves recognition. 

Improving your HR department doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By taking the time to implement some or all of the tips above, you can make a big impact on your team’s morale, productivity, and retention.

Ahead of the 2023 Kebbi State gubernatorial elections in Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has reportedly shared exotic cars to the All Progressives Congress (APC) delegates in the State.

It’s noteworthy that Mr Malami had on Thursday, 28^th April 2022 declared interest in the Kebbi State governorship race come 2023.

These gifts to the APC delegates may not be unconnected with securing their support, loyalty, and votes for the governorship primary elections slated for May 23, 2022.

The 200 vehicles include 60 Toyota Prado SUVs, 65 Toyota RAV4 SUVs, 35 Mercedes Benz GLK, 350 SUVs and 40 Lexus LX SUVs, based on the report given by a certain politician from the State who was reportedly present at the distribution ceremony, after photos of the vehicles were shared on the social media.

The politician, who pleaded anonymity because of his closeness to Mr Malami’s campaign team, said more vehicles were expected from Lagos to be distributed to politicians across the state before and after the primaries.

The AGF actively pursuing his political ambition alongside his ministerial position has stirred controversy and raised questions about his eligibility to run. However, Mr Malami has defended his refusal to resign.

It’s worth noting that the Section 84(12) of the newly enacted Electoral Act, 2022, states that “no political appointee at any level shall be a voting delegate or be voted for at the convention or congress of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election.”

Subsequently, upon the request of the Nigeria’s government through the AGF, a High Court expunged the said section, citing its confliction with certain sections of the Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, as amended.

According to Mr Malami, the aforementioned section ‘no longer exist’ until an appellate court restores the expunged it. He’s therefore of the view that he can hold onto his position as AGF and Justice Minister while chasing his political ambition.

Penultimate week, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila warned that such obstinate behaviour might result in the nullification of political parties’ primaries.

If the news about Mr Malami is anything to go by, or holds water, then there’s really trouble in the land. A sane Nigerian would rather consider such news as rumour, knowing full well that the politician in question is in charge of the position that’s championing the seeming ongoing anti-graft war in the country.

Let’s assume it’s true. One may wonder how a country’s AGF would be publicly encouraging corruption when he’s expected to be deeply involved in the fight towards its eradication. Does it imply Nigeria is truly a ruse?

Just to clinch the gubernatorial ticket of the APC, he’s sharing exotic cars. That means, if he eventually secured the ticket or emerged as the party’s flag-bearer, he would share jets among the party bigwigs towards the main elections.

We are not unaware that they can never share such items among the electorate, having considered them as gullible. According to them, the voters’ conscience can be purchased with just a N1000 note.

The paramount question remains, how did we really get here? How do we get out of it? Surely, the awaited 2023 polls is the only and apt answer to the inquiries.

(This piece is updated with more info below)

It was earlier reported that the Nigeria’s Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami shared exotic cars among the delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State, ahead of the party’s gubernatorial primary in the State, in respect of his governorship aspiration.

Consequently, the aide of the AGF, Umar Gwandu has refuted the report, saying the friends and associates of his boss donated the exotic vehicles of assorted brands to loyalists in Kebbi State.

In a statement released to newsmen on Tuesday, 3rd April 2022, Gwandu said the minister’s friends also supported his governorship ambition with N135m.

He stated that the friends of his principal gifted the vehicles to “long-term workers in the Khadimiyya Foundation”.

Malami is reported to be one of the stakeholders of a non-governmental organisation known as the Khadimiyya Foundation for Social Justice and Development Initiative which is based in Kebbi.

It’s noteworthy that Malami, who hails from Kebbi State, is a two-term member of the cabinet of the President Muhammadu Buhari and an APC chieftain. He was recently reported to have declared his intention to succeed Governor Atiku Bagudu of the North-West state in May 2023.

In the statement, Gwandu stated, “It is abundantly clear that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN has teaming supporters from home and beyond.

“This has been demonstrated not only by the calls from far and near for him to vie for Kebbi gubernatorial seat in the forthcoming election but also by donations from friends, associates and supporters of N135m.

“The recent donation of N135m has opened doors for donations and supports of many items including vehicles by well-wishers.

“The story attributing vehicle distribution to Malami was mischievous and misconstrued information. It was friends and associates of Malami who donated and distributed vehicles to long-term workers in the Khadimiyya Foundation.

“The occasion was not for distribution of vehicles to any APC stakeholder. None of the APC stakeholders or delegates in Kebbi State was given any vehicle by Malami.

“You can contact the National Secretariat of the APC, get the lists of all the APC stakeholders and delegates in Kebbi State. Do an investigative story to reach out to them, then you would realize how fictitious is the claim.

“Comparing the names of APC stakeholders and the beneficiaries of the vehicle will reveal to you that there is no connection between the two and the two are not connected whatsoever.”

Nigerian politicians and their ceaseless cock and bull stories. Does this story, as purportedly presented by Malami’s aide, make sense in any way? I’m just thinking aloud.

They would have rather consulted great thinkers to create a better story that could be used to support the disclaimer, instead of coming up with this very one that ended up ridiculing the AGF’s image.

You gifted exotic cars to ‘long-term workers’ of a certain foundation. Imagine the affront meted out to the discerning electorate. So, all these past years, Malami or his associates never thought it wise to gift exotic cars to ‘workers of an NGO’ until the moment he was about contesting for his State’s gubernatorial seat?

Let’s assume the vehicles were actually gifted to workers of an NGO as being claimed; why would they be of exotic brands; and why would it be now? Besides, Nigerians would like to know the real names of the donors.

I pray the electorate would be much wiser this time, so they could make sound decisions for their future’s sake.